James Knight-Paccheco celebrates the inspirational stories of people within hospitality, their ups, their downs and everything in between. What does it take to keep up in one of the most competitive, mentally and physically stressful industries in the world? Giving incredible insights and advice to the listeners. For more information go to http://www.chefjkp.com
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The Chef JKP Podcast - Limited Series with Varlhona ! Chef Khaled !
Friday, May 30, 2025 • Duration 29:18
In the fifth and final episode of this special Valrhona x Chef JKP Podcast series recorded at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, we’re bringing it home with one of the UAE’s rising culinary stars — Chef Khaled Al Saadi.
Host James Knight-Pacheco dives into an inspiring conversation about:🍽️ The evolution of the Emirati food scene👨🍳 Why collaboration is key to culinary growth🍫 And why Chef Khaled proudly chooses Valrhona for his creative chocolate work
You can follow Chef Khaled on HERE
Recorded amidst the immersive Le Fil Rouge event by Valrhona, this conversation explores heritage, innovation, and the power of culinary connection.
This limited series is proudly brought to you by Valrhona — supporting pastry chefs and chocolatiers around the world with ethically sourced, premium chocolate.
👉 Visit www.valrhona.com to discover more.
🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Chef JKP Podcast on your favourite platform!And as always — Food is memories.
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The Chef JKP Podcast - Limited Series with Valrhona ! Carmen and Kelvin !
Thursday, May 29, 2025 • Duration 35:50
What happens when two of the world’s most creative chefs meet in the halls of the Louvre? They’ve cooked for royals, redefined fine dining, and now - they’re reimagining chocolate.
Join in the conversation with two luminaries of the culinary world: Chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez, recently honored as MENA's Best Pastry Chef 2025 by the Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants, and Chef Kelvin Cheung, the visionary behind Dubai's acclaimed Jun's restaurant, renowned for its innovative 'Third Culture' cuisine.
Recorded at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, this episode delves into the artistry of fine chocolate, celebrating creativity, culture, and community in partnership with Valrhona.
The chefs share nostalgic food memories, their unique approaches to crafting sophisticated dishes, and the significance of storytelling through food.
00:00 Introduction
01:53 Special Edition: Celebrating Fine Chocolate
03:19 Food Memories with Chocolate
06:50 Creating Dishes for the Event
16:35 Challenges and Inspirations in Culinary Arts
23:03 Quick Fire Questions
29:49 Conclusion and Farewell
Follow the guests on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chefkelvincheung/
https://www.instagram.com/chefcarmenrueda6
A huge thank you to our partners Valrhona for making this special series possible!
www.valrhona.com
Please leave us a review on any podcast platform - it’s the best way to support the show!
Food is Memories !
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The Chef JKP Podcast - Limited Series with Valrhona ! Olivier, Hadrien and Reif !
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 • Duration 47:59
Host James Knight-Paccheco takes listeners on a rich, multi-sensory journey into the world of fine chocolate in partnership with Valrhona and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The episode spotlights Le Fil Rouge, a one-of-a-kind event uniting over 250 chefs, artists, and visionaries from around the globe!
This episode’s guest Olivier Morel, Chief Business Officer at Valrhona, shares insights on the fusion of community, creativity, and culture through the lens of chocolate. He offers reflections on his global chocolate journey and discusses how shifting cocoa markets are shaping the future of fine chocolate.
Joining the conversation are celebrated chefs Reif Othman and Hadrien Villedieu, who speak about their culinary inspirations, memorable chocolate moments, and the artistry behind collaborating with Valrhona.
From sourcing premium ingredients to curating unforgettable menus, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to chocolate as both craft and culture.
00:00 Introduction
01:06 Celebrating Fine Chocolate with Valrhona
02:15 Olivier’s Chocolate Journey
08:45 Global Chocolate Trends & Challenges
22:02 The Art of Chocolate & Culinary Fusion
28:40 Personal Chocolate Memories
29:10 Hadrian’s Culinary Creations
29:52 Curating the Menu
31:02 Raf’s Chocolate Philosophy
31:37 Collaborating with Valrhona
34:44 Chefs’ Tips for Collaboration
36:55 Conversations Beyond the Kitchen
38:15 Using Chocolate in Cooking
39:42 Describing Themselves as Desserts
40:18 Quick Fire Questions
41:39 Conclusion and Farewell
Follow the featured guests on socials:
https://fr.linkedin.com/in/olivier-morel-58689313
https://www.instagram.com/reifo.kee
https://www.instagram.com/hadrienvilledieu/
A huge thank you to our partners Valrhona for making this special series possible!
www.valrhona.com
Please leave us a review on any podcast platform - it’s the best way to support the show!
Food is Memories !
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The Chef JKP Podcast - Limited Series with Valrhona - Guillaume Lafaix General Manager !
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 • Duration 24:21
What happens when chocolate, culture, and craftsmanship come together?
In this special edition of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco shares the 2nd episode of a special series with Valrhona, one of the world’s most prestigious chocolate makers.
This episode highlights a collaboration between Valrhona and Louvre Abu Dhabi, exploring how fine chocolate is both an art form and a cultural connector.
JKP sits down with Valrhona’s General Manager Guillaume Lafaix, who shares his personal chocolate memories, his career journey across continents, and his thoughts on the Middle East’s growing love for sweets.
Whether you’re a chef, a chocolate enthusiast, or simply love a good story, this short but rich episode offers a glimpse into how gastronomy, artistry, and global connection all melt into one unforgettable experience.
00:00 Introduction
01:34 Celebrating Fine Chocolate: A Special Edition
03:03 Meet Valrhona’s General Manager
04:53 Chocolate Memories, Career Journey & Global Trends
07:32 Why the Middle East Loves Chocolate
09:13 Valrhona x Louvre Abu Dhabi: A Cultural Collaboration
17:39 Personal Favorites & Culinary Reflections
19:30 Conclusion and Farewell
You can follow Valrhona on HERE
A huge thank you to our partners Valrhona for making this special series possible!
www.valrhona.com
Please leave us a review on any podcast hosting platform - it’s the best way to support the show!
Food is Memories !
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Limited Series with Varlhona ! Episode 1 - Brice Konan Ferrand!
Monday, May 26, 2025 • Duration 56:17
Welcome to a special edition of the Chef JKP Podcast!
In this special edition of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Chef Brice Konan-Ferrand, a renowned chocolatier and pastry chef who has worked around the globe.
Chef Brice shares his inspiring culinary journey, from training in France and working in various kitchens worldwide to specialising in chocolate and taking part in major events like the one being discussed in this series - 'Le Fil Rouge.' brought to you by Valrhona, held at the prestigious Louvre in Abu Dhabi.
This episode delves into the importance of culture, community, and creativity in the culinary world, highlighting the growing recognition of pastry chefs and offering advice for aspiring culinarians.
Chef Brice also talks about his international experiences, including time spent in Hong Kong, Japan, and now Dubai, shaping his unique approach to fine chocolate and pastry.
00:00 Introduction to the Chef JKP Podcast
01:48 Special Edition: Celebrating Fine Chocolate
03:19 Guest Introduction: Chef Brice from Le Verona
04:31 Chef Brice's Journey: From Ivory Coast to France
06:34 Culinary Education and Early Career
09:46 Specializing in Pastry and International Experience
24:14 Unexpected Career Opportunities
25:54 Chef Brice’s First Impressions of Hong Kong
26:55 Living and Working in Japan
28:41 Dubai: A New Adventure
31:43 The Louvre Abu Dhabi Event
34:44 Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Successes
41:09 Recognition in the Culinary World
47:12 Advice for Aspiring Chefs
50:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
You can follow chef Brice on HERE
You can follow all things Varlhona on HERE
Tune in for an exciting and insightful conversation with one of the culinary world’s finest, as Chef Brice shares his journey, passion for chocolate, and advice for future chefs.
A huge thank you to our partners Valrohna for making this special series possible!
www.valrhona.com
Please leave us a review on any podcast streaming platform - it’s the best way to support the show!
Food is Memories !
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Season 9 - Episode 12 - Regan Hillyer - From Burnout to Global Icon !
Thursday, May 22, 2025 • Duration 01:34:56
What if success isn’t something you chase, but something you prepare from within?
Before the coaching empire, wellness retreats, and becoming a global speaker, Regan Hillyer was stuck in a cycle of burnout, fear, debt, and disconnection.
In this powerful season finale of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco explores Regan’s extraordinary journey from breakdown to breakthrough.
From humble beginnings in New Zealand to becoming a global force in personal development. Regan shares the raw and real story of how she turned fear into fuel and built a worldwide empire rooted in inner work, mindset, frequency tuning, and practical techniques for manifesting abundance.
This episode is more than just a conversation, it’s a masterclass in living a purpose-driven life, tuning into your highest frequency, and creating success from the inside out.
Tune in to learn:
👩🍳 How frequency affects leadership, food, and performance
👩🍳 The mindset tools top performers use to stay aligned and on purpose
👩🍳 How to move through fear and failure without losing momentum
👩🍳 Why inner work is the foundation of lasting success
👩🍳 How leaders can protect their energy in high-pressure environments
00:00 Opening Remarks and Season Reflections
02:46 Meet Regan Hillyer: Energy Coach, Speaker & Entrepreneur
04:36 Early Life, Food Memories & Formative Influences
07:31 The Turning Point: Discovering Purpose
10:01 The 80/20 Rule: Mindset, Energy & Focus
19:21 Overcoming Fear, Resistance & Burnout
35:38 Reprogramming Your Mind and Relationship with Time
47:48 Soul Desires vs. Ego Desires: Knowing the Difference
53:48 Frequency Conditioning & Daily Manifestation Alarms
01:02:51 High-Pressure Environments: Stress, Leadership & Stillness
01:14:55 The Energy Behind Food: Frequency in Preparation
01:18:07 Staying Grounded While Wearing Many Hats
01:21:48 Quick Fire Round & Final Thoughts
Follow Regan on HERE
A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com
Stay sharp and hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos bottle - available at chefjkp.com or via DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/
Please leave us a review us on all podcast hosting platforms - it’s the best way to support the show!
Food is Memories!
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Season 9 - Episode 11 - Forget Everything You Know About Fine Dining! Bjorn Frantzen & Torsten Vildgaard !
Thursday, May 15, 2025 • Duration 01:31:44
What happens when two visionaries join forces ?
In this extraordinary episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco welcomes Chef Torsten Vildgaard (formerly of Noma) and iconic Chef Björn Frantzén, both globally acclaimed for redefining modern gastronomy.
Now leading the charge at FZN at Atlantis, The Palm, they’re reshaping fine dining in the Middle East.
The conversation takes us through their personal stories, culinary philosophies, and the intense discipline of Michelin kitchens - as well as the unique opportunity and challenge of bringing Scandinavian excellence to the Gulf.
This episode is a masterclass in what it takes to operate at the highest level in hospitality.
Tune in to learn:
👩🍳 How Torsten transitioned from Noma to opening his own Michelin-starred restaurant
👩🍳 What it really takes to build and maintain a Michelin-level restaurant
👩🍳 What three elements are the heart of elite kitchens
👩🍳 How FZN is redefining luxury dining in the Middle East
00:00 Opening Remarks and Personal Reflections
02:00 Meet Torsten Vildgaard & Björn Frantzén
04:40 Childhood Food Memories & Early Influences
12:50 First Steps into Professional Kitchens
25:42 Opening & Running Michelin-Starred Restaurants
41:31 Expanding to Dubai: The FZN Vision
46:12 Training, Guest Experience & Team Culture
51:53 Menu Development & Local Ingredients
54:13 Operating with Excellence in the Middle East
01:13:12 Quick Fire Round
01:20:45 Advice for Young Chefs
You can follow Bjorn on HERE
You can follow Torsten on HERE
A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com
Stay sharp and hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos bottle - available at chefjkp.com or via DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/
Please leave us a review us on all podcast hosting sites - it’s the best way to support the show!
Food is Memories !🍽️
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Season 9 -Episode 10 - Jack Jarrott - Screaming Guests, Openings, Live Fire Cooking!
Thursday, May 8, 2025 • Duration 01:47:01
What does it take to lead a world-class kitchen rooted in fire and flavour? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Chef Jack Jarrott, the driving force behind Sand and Koal at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
Jack takes us on a raw and honest journey through his career - from growing up in Australia to mastering open-fire cooking in London under the Gordon Ramsay empire, and eventually becoming a rising star in the UAE culinary world. The conversation explores everything from leadership and kitchen culture to navigating cultural shifts, earning accolades, and Jack’s mission to make Sand and Koal a globally recognized destination.
Tune In To Learn:
👩🍳 What it really takes to lead a modern open-fire kitchen
👩🍳 How Jack adapted from Australia to London to the UAE
👩🍳 The power of mentorship, discipline, and legacy
👩🍳 Real talk about hotel kitchens vs. standalone restaurants
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Announcement
02:26 Meet Today’s Guest: Chef Jack Jarrott
03:46 From Aussie Kitchens to Culinary Dreams
13:49 London Life & The Gordon Ramsay Era
34:48 Relocating to the UAE
45:30 Lessons from The Guild & High-Volume Service
54:19 Accolades, Recognition & Next Steps
56:46 Building Sand and Koal at Emirates Palace
01:02:35 Mastering the Art of Open Fire Cooking
01:08:16 The Westholme Partnership
01:13:02 Hotel Life: Expectations vs. Reality
01:20:07 Jack’s Vision for the UAE Culinary Scene
01:25:20 Quick Fire Round & Final Thoughts
Follow Jack on HERE
A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com, as well as as Westholme Australian Wagyu - Westholme.com
Stay sharp and hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos bottle - available at chefjkp.com or via DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/
Please leave us a review on Spotify - it’s the best way to support the show!
Food is Memories !
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does it take to build a cult-favourite pizza bakery from scratch?
We’re already at the Episode 9 from Season 9 of the show, and this time James Knight-Paccheco welcomes the passionate and resilient Raj Dagstani, founder of multi winning Marmellata Pizzeria.
Raj shares his remarkable journey from early food memories to creating one of the United Arab Emirates most beloved pizza concepts. The conversation covers the challenges of starting a business, the importance of mental health and balance in the hospitality world, and how Marmellata evolved into a community-driven success story.
Tune in to learn:
👩🍳 How Raj built Marmellata Bakery into a must-visit destination
👩🍳 Why authenticity and resilience matter more than trends
👩🍳 Real stories of growth, setbacks, and building a brand with purpose
👨🍳 Advice for aspiring chefs and business owners
00:00 Podcast Announcement
00:47 Introduction to the Chef JKP Podcast
03:58 Meet Today’s Guest: Raj Dagstani of Marmellata Bakery
04:29 Raj's Early Food Memories
06:50 Journey into Professional Cooking and Entrepreneurship
30:18 Lessons in Mentorship and Learning the Hard Way
42:30 Opening Marmellata Bakery: The Big Leap
47:27 Returning to Dubai & Building a Brand
48:45 Finding a Culinary Identity
53:42 Facing Setbacks and Rising Stronger
54:38 The Art of Reinvention and Staying True to Yourself
01:00:07 Scaling Marmellata and Future Visions
01:17:55 Family, Food, and Managing Life with Passion
01:28:47 Quick Fire Questions with Raj
You can follow follow Marmellata on HERE
A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com
Stay sharp and hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos bottle - available at chefjkp.com or via DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/
Please leave us a review on all podcast platforms - it’s the best way to support the show!
Food is memories! Enjoy the episode! 🍴
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when comfort food meets the desert?
In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with the inspiring and outspoken Chef Troy Payne for a deep, personal, and unfiltered conversation.
From his Melbourne food roots to launching Craft by Side Hustle, the first brewery concept in the MENA region, Troy opens up about the highs and lows of his culinary career. The episode touches on mentorship, his powerful connection with the late Chef Greg Malouf, the mental health challenges of the industry, and finding identity in the Dubai food scene.
Tune In To Learn:
👩🍳 How Troy’s journey from Australia shaped his food philosophy
👩🍳 The emotional toll and importance of mental health in kitchens
👩🍳 What it’s like to launch a brewery-meets-comfort food concept in the Middle East
👩🍳 How innovation, failure, and purpose intersect in modern hospitality
00:00 Chef JKP Podcast Live Announcement
03:58 Meet Chef Troy Payne
04:29 Growing Up in Melbourne & First Taste of Cooking
06:50 Childhood Food Memories & Influences
11:13 The Path to Professional Cooking
15:34 Mentorship and Growth in the Culinary World
22:47 Finding Confidence and Voice as a Young Chef
30:24 The Influence of Greg Malouf & Their Bond
42:30 A New Adventure: Opening a Restaurant in the Middle East
47:27 Returning to Dubai: A New Beginning
54:38 Innovating Mobile Kitchens
01:00:07 Craft by Side Hustle: The First Brewery in MENA
01:05:22 The Reality of Entrepreneurship in F&B
01:10:56 The Importance of Mental Health in the Culinary Industry
01:17:55 Family, Food, and Balancing Personal Life
01:22:12 Lessons from Failure and Reinvention
01:28:47 Quick Fire Questions & Final Reflections
Follow Troy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trotskie/
A huge thank you to our partners Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com
🚨Catch more unfiltered conversations like this one at Timeout Market Dubai. Live recordings continue on April 27th - don’t miss your chance to be part of the audience!
Stay sharp and hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos bottle - available at chefjkp.com or via DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/
Please leave us a review on Spotify - it’s the best way to support the show!
Food is memories! Enjoy the episode! 🍴
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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